Nikola Jokic sustained a distressing knee injury during the Denver Nuggets’ substantial 147-123 loss to the Miami Heat on Monday evening.
The three-time recipient of the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award, Jokic, departed the court in the concluding moments of the first half of the contest held at Miami’s Kaseya Center.
The 30-year-old basketball icon from Serbia collapsed to the playing surface in obvious discomfort after his teammate, Spencer Jones, accidentally stepped on Jokic’s left foot while he was defending a drive by Miami’s Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Reports indicated that Jokic’s left knee appeared to give way during the incident, and consequently, the star center did not participate in the second half of the match.
Nuggets head coach David Adelman indicated that the team had not yet determined the full extent of Jokic’s injury.
“My current understanding is that Jokic has incurred a left knee injury, and he will need to undergo the necessary evaluation process. Reviewing the footage at halftime, it seemed his feet became entangled. He recognized immediately that something was amiss,” Adelman communicated.
“Such occurrences are an inherent aspect of the NBA. Any player’s injury is profoundly disheartening. This is particularly true for someone of his exceptional caliber. We anticipate learning more information tomorrow and will then proceed as a collective unit.
“My primary concern is for him as an individual and the significant disappointment of enduring such an event. It’s truly unfortunate, and we are holding out hope for a positive outcome… it’s tough, but we’re optimistic for tomorrow’s news.”
Jokic had amassed 21 points, eight assists, and five rebounds before his exit from the game, at which point the score was evenly balanced at 63-63.
The Nuggets are already contending with a significant roster challenge due to injuries, with key starters Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun currently sidelined.
The absence of Jokic in the second half of Monday’s fixture was acutely felt, as Miami proceeded to outscore Denver 84-60 after the halftime break, ultimately securing a comfortable win.
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